Friday, December 21, 2007

Tomorrow, I leave to go back to the states. I, originally, had planned to return permanently, but I've since extended my contract for another three months. Given that I should be going home, I thought it was a good time to take stock on the predictions I made and see how far I've come.

Unexpectedly useful items: Predicted that second set of dressy clothes would have been unexpectedly useful. And though I did wear that dress to the Cairns Cup, I think the most unexpectedly useful item is actually the item I had predicted would be the biggest waste of space: sweaters. Although I only brought four, having sweaters for the few trips I had down south during the winter was key. And I'm expecting to be very glad to have them when I arrive in Portland 27 hours from tomorrow.

Things I wish I had brought: I predicted I would want more T-shirts, yep, I did, so I've supplemented my supply here. I also predicted I would wish I had brought more photos from home. Thanks to Jeff's digital picture frame (aka. the Harry Potter picture frame) I have been able to see many of my favorite people and places on a regular basis.

Total pictures: predicted 600. Wow, what was I thinking. I've already taken 1326 photos. And I ain't done yet. And that doesn't count any of the ones I've deleted along the way that never made it into picasa.

Shoes: predicted 11 pairs, which was an addition of two pairs. I believe I have worn every pair that I brought, though the ones getting the most wear are still the flip flops. I've added four pairs since I arrived, and I've got new running shoes awaiting me at home!

Books: I think I've only read 4, though my prediction was 3. I've added several over my time here, and still haven't read the really long one I brought. Nor have I finished "A Short History of Australia" - What a misnomer!

Venomous attacks: remains zero, thankfully.

A few other stats:Wild kangaroos spotted: 1Wild walabies spotted: hundredsOther wild marsupials: 2, both bandicoots (not pademelons)Total Kilometers cycled: 705 (since I changed over to kilometers in late september)Falls from the bike since getting clippy shoes: 5 (last one this morning)Average time training per week: 11 hoursAverage distance swum per week: 6KStates in Australia: 6 (plus 2 territories)Least favorite insect: sandfly (followed closely by the cockroach)Favorite Cairns eatery: Hare Krishna restaurant on SpenceAustralian phrases I'll use in the US: "heaps" "good on you" "how are you going" "reckon" "yih"Total travel time: 27 hoursTotal flight time: 19 hoursExcitement level for visiting home: 11 out of 10Hours til I get on the first plane: 8